Last Updated: May 19, 2026
The free solar yojana 2026 is India’s most powerful government solar scheme, designed to eliminate electricity bills for crores of households. Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the central government provides up to 60% subsidy on solar rooftop installation and guarantees up to 300 units of free electricity every month — bringing your electricity bill to an absolute Rs.0. This complete guide covers eligibility, documents, subsidy amounts, step-by-step application process, and how you can even earn money by selling surplus solar energy back to the grid. Whether you are a BPL family, a farmer, or a working-class homeowner, this guide explains everything you need to claim your free solar panel under the 2026 scheme.
| Scheme Name | PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana 2026 |
| Launched By | Government of India, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) |
| Free Electricity | Up to 300 units/month (Rs.0 electricity bill) |
| Central Subsidy | Up to 60% (Rs.30,000–Rs.78,000) |
| Target Beneficiaries | 1 crore households across India |
| System Lifespan | 25 years |
| Application Mode | Online — pmsuryaghar.gov.in |
| Application Fee | ZERO (completely free) |
📋 Table of Contents
- What is Free Solar Yojana 2026?
- Free Solar Yojana Eligibility Criteria 2026
- Government Solar Subsidy Amount & Savings Table
- How to Keep Electricity Bill Zero with Solar
- Who Should Apply for Free Solar Yojana 2026?
- Documents Required for Solar Yojana Application
- How to Apply for Free Solar Yojana 2026 Online
- Solar Energy vs Grid Electricity — Comparison Table
- High-Value Solar & Energy Saving Terms You Must Know
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Free Solar Yojana 2026?
The free solar yojana 2026, officially known as PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024 and expanded aggressively through 2025–2026. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) with a total budget outlay of Rs.75,021 crore through 2026–27.
Under this scheme, the government installs rooftop solar panels at eligible households free of cost or at a heavily subsidised rate. Once installed, the solar system generates electricity from sunlight throughout the day. This power is used directly in your home, reducing or completely eliminating your electricity consumption from the state grid. The result: your monthly electricity bill drops to Rs.0 for up to 300 units per month.
Additionally, any surplus electricity generated by your solar panels is exported to the grid under the net metering policy, for which your DISCOM pays you — turning your home into a mini power plant and source of additional income of Rs.1,000–Rs.3,000 per month.
Free Solar Yojana 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the free solar yojana 2026, check whether you meet the following eligibility conditions laid down by MNRE:
- 🏠 Ownership: You must own the house where panels will be installed. Tenants are NOT eligible.
- ⚡ Electricity Connection: A valid, existing electricity connection from your state DISCOM is mandatory.
- 🪪 Aadhaar Linkage: Your bank account must be Aadhaar-linked for subsidy direct benefit transfer (DBT).
- 💰 Income Limit (Full Subsidy): Annual household income below Rs.1,50,000 qualifies for up to 60% central subsidy.
- 💰 Income Limit (Partial Subsidy): Annual income up to Rs.3,00,000 qualifies for 40% subsidy on systems above 2 kW.
- 🔁 No Duplicate Benefit: You must not have availed a solar subsidy under any other government scheme previously.
- 🏗️ Roof Condition: Your rooftop must have at least 10 sq.m of shadow-free usable area for panel installation.
- 📍 Residency: Scheme is available in all 28 states and 8 union territories of India.
Age & Category-Wise Benefits Table
| Category | Subsidy % | Max Subsidy Amount | Additional Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (income below Rs.1.5L) | 60% | Rs.78,000 | 300 units/month free |
| BPL / Antyodaya families | 60% | Rs.78,000 | Priority installation |
| SC / ST households | 60% + state top-up | Rs.78,000+ | State adds 10–20% extra |
| OBC households | 60% | Rs.78,000 | 300 units/month free |
| Women-headed families | 60% | Rs.78,000 | Priority + skill training |
| General (income Rs.1.5L–Rs.3L) | 40% | Rs.30,000 | 200 units/month free |
| General (income above Rs.3L) | 0% (loan available) | — | Net metering benefit |
| Farmers (PM KUSUM) | Up to 90% | Rs.1,35,000 | Agricultural pump solar |
Government Solar Subsidy Amount & Annual Savings Table 2026
The free solar yojana 2026 subsidy is calculated based on the benchmark cost per kW set by MNRE. Here is a detailed breakdown of costs, subsidies, and annual savings for each system size:
| System Size | Benchmark Cost | Govt Subsidy (60%) | Your Cost | Monthly Units | Monthly Saving | Annual Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | Rs.65,000 | Rs.30,000 | Rs.35,000 | 120 units | Rs.700–Rs.900 | Rs.8,400–Rs.10,800 |
| 2 kW | Rs.1,30,000 | Rs.60,000 | Rs.70,000 | 240 units | Rs.1,400–Rs.1,800 | Rs.16,800–Rs.21,600 |
| 3 kW | Rs.1,90,000 | Rs.78,000 | Rs.1,12,000 | 300+ units | Rs.2,000–Rs.3,000 | Rs.24,000–Rs.36,000 |
| 5 kW | Rs.3,00,000 | Rs.78,000 | Rs.2,22,000 | 600 units | Rs.3,500–Rs.5,000 | Rs.42,000–Rs.60,000 |
| 10 kW | Rs.5,50,000 | Rs.78,000 | Rs.4,72,000 | 1200 units | Rs.7,000–Rs.10,000 | Rs.84,000–Rs.1,20,000 |
Note: Costs are as per MNRE 2026 benchmark rates. State additional subsidies (10–40%) are not included above. Systems last 25 years — your total lifetime saving on a 3 kW system exceeds Rs.7.5 lakh.
How Free Solar Yojana 2026 Keeps Your Electricity Bill Zero
The most powerful benefit of the free solar yojana 2026 is the ability to reduce your monthly electricity bill to Rs.0. Here is exactly how it works:
- ☀️ Daytime Generation: Solar panels on your roof generate electricity during daylight hours (typically 8–10 hours/day), powering all appliances — fans, lights, TV, refrigerator, AC — directly from sunlight.
- 🔄 Net Metering: Surplus electricity flows back into the DISCOM grid. The units exported are credited to your account, cancelling out units you consume from the grid at night.
- 📉 Zero Bill Threshold: A 3 kW system typically generates 300–360 units/month, which is enough for a middle-class Indian family of 4. With 300 free units guaranteed by the scheme, most families pay Rs.0 on their monthly bill.
- 💸 Earn Extra Income: If you generate more units than you consume, DISCOMs pay you at a rate of Rs.2–Rs.4 per unit, giving you Rs.500–Rs.2,000 per month in additional income.
- 🔋 Battery Storage Option: Adding a battery storage unit (Rs.25,000–Rs.80,000) ensures 24-hour power supply even during power cuts, with zero dependency on grid electricity.
Who Should Apply for Free Solar Yojana 2026?
- 🏡 High Electricity Bill Households: Families paying more than Rs.1,500/month on electricity bills will see immediate Rs.0 bills after solar installation.
- 👩 Women-Headed Families: Women who are the head of their household get priority processing and additional state-level top-up subsidy in Bihar, UP, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
- 👨🌾 Farmers: Farmers can combine this with PM KUSUM Yojana for up to 90% subsidy on solar pumps, eliminating both irrigation costs and domestic electricity bills.
- 🏚️ BPL & Antyodaya Families: Below Poverty Line households get fully funded installations in many states — zero out-of-pocket cost.
- 🎓 SC/ST Households: Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe families receive 60% central subsidy plus 10–25% state top-up, making the effective cost near zero.
- 🏘️ Rural Residents: Villagers with frequent power cuts benefit greatly as solar provides consistent daytime power independent of grid reliability.
- 🏢 Small Business Owners: Shop owners, small manufacturers, and home-based entrepreneurs running daytime operations can eliminate their commercial electricity costs.
- 👴 Senior Citizens: Retired persons on fixed income who want to permanently eliminate utility bills and increase monthly savings.
Documents Required for Free Solar Yojana 2026 Application
| S.No | Document | Purpose | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aadhaar Card | Identity & subsidy DBT linkage | PDF / JPG |
| 2 | Latest Electricity Bill | Confirm DISCOM connection & consumer number | PDF / JPG |
| 3 | Bank Passbook (Aadhaar-linked) | Subsidy direct transfer | PDF / JPG |
| 4 | Passport-size Photograph | Application ID | JPG (max 100KB) |
| 5 | Proof of House Ownership | Registry / property tax receipt | |
| 6 | Ration Card / Income Certificate | BPL / income category proof | |
| 7 | Caste Certificate | SC/ST/OBC additional subsidy | PDF (if applicable) |
| 8 | Mobile Number (OTP verified) | Application login & communications | Active mobile |
How to Apply for Free Solar Yojana 2026 Online — Step by Step
Follow these 10 steps to apply for the free solar yojana 2026 online through the official PM Surya Ghar portal:
- Visit Official Portal: Go to pmsuryaghar.gov.in — the only official government website for this scheme.
- Register Your Account: Click “Apply for Rooftop Solar.” Enter your state, DISCOM name, and electricity consumer number. Create a login with your mobile number (OTP verified).
- Fill Application Form: Log in and fill the online application form — personal details, address, roof area, system size desired, and income category.
- Upload Documents: Upload all 8 required documents listed above. Ensure file size is under 2MB per document and format is PDF or JPG.
- Select System Size: Based on your monthly electricity consumption, select the recommended system size (1 kW, 2 kW, or 3 kW). The portal shows estimated savings and subsidy amounts.
- Submit Application: Review all details and click Submit. You will receive an Application Reference Number via SMS and email — save it.
- DISCOM Technical Feasibility Check: Your DISCOM officer visits your house within 7–15 working days to check roof suitability and approve net metering connection.
- Vendor Empanelment & Installation: MNRE-empanelled vendor installs solar panels within 30–45 days of approval. The installation is done by certified technicians at no extra cost.
- Net Meter Installation: After panel installation, DISCOM installs a bidirectional net meter. This meter tracks both units consumed from grid and units exported back.
- Subsidy Credited to Bank Account: After successful commissioning, the central subsidy amount (Rs.30,000–Rs.78,000) is directly credited to your Aadhaar-linked bank account within 30 days.
The government does NOT charge any fee at any stage of this application. The official portal is pmsuryaghar.gov.in only. If any agent, NGO, or website asks you to pay Rs.500–Rs.5,000 as “registration fee” or “processing charge,” it is a FRAUD. Report such fraud at 1800-180-3333 (MNRE helpline, toll-free). Apply only through the official portal and your DISCOM office. Never share your Aadhaar OTP, bank OTP, or debit card details with anyone.
Solar Energy vs Grid Electricity — Complete Comparison 2026
| Factor | Solar (Free Solar Yojana 2026) | Grid Electricity |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | Rs.0 (up to 300 units free) | Rs.1,500–Rs.5,000/month |
| Annual Saving | Rs.18,000–Rs.60,000/year | Rs.0 saving |
| 25-Year Cost | Rs.35,000–Rs.1,12,000 (one time) | Rs.4.5 lakh–Rs.15 lakh |
| Power Cut Impact | Unaffected during daytime | Completely dependent |
| Carbon Footprint | Zero emissions | High (coal-based grid) |
| Income Potential | Rs.500–Rs.3,000/month (surplus sale) | No income |
| Lifespan | 25 years | Unlimited (ongoing cost) |
| Govt Subsidy | Up to 60% (Rs.78,000) | None |
| Best For | Homeowners, farmers, BPL families | Renters / no roof access |
High-Value Solar & Energy Saving Terms You Must Know
- ☀️ PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: The official name of the free solar yojana 2026. Launched in February 2024 with a Rs.75,021 crore budget to install solar rooftops in 1 crore homes by 2026.
- 🔌 Net Metering: A billing policy where surplus solar energy exported to the grid offsets your consumption, enabling a Rs.0 electricity bill. Essential for maximising free solar yojana 2026 benefits.
- 🌾 PM KUSUM Yojana: A companion scheme for farmers offering up to 90% subsidy on solar water pumps for agriculture, saving Rs.50,000–Rs.1,20,000/year in diesel and electricity costs.
- 🏭 MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy): The Government of India ministry that implements all solar schemes, sets subsidy benchmarks, and empanels installation vendors.
- ⚡ DISCOM (Distribution Company): Your state electricity distribution company (e.g., BSPHCL in Bihar, UPPCL in UP) that manages your meter, net metering connection, and subsidy verification.
- 📊 Solar Rooftop Subsidy 2026: Central government subsidy of 60% for systems up to 2 kW and 40% for 2–3 kW, with a maximum payout of Rs.78,000 under the free solar yojana 2026.
- 🔋 Solar Battery Storage: Optional add-on (Rs.25,000–Rs.80,000) that stores excess daytime solar energy for use at night, achieving 24-hour zero grid dependency.
- 🏠 Rooftop Solar System (On-Grid): Solar panels connected to both your home and the grid. Most popular setup under the free solar yojana 2026 as it enables net metering and subsidy eligibility.
- 📋 Benchmark Cost: MNRE’s official cost per kW used to calculate your subsidy. For 2026, it is Rs.65,000/kW for residential systems. The subsidy is calculated on this benchmark, not actual vendor quotes.
- 💳 DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer): The mechanism by which the solar subsidy is credited directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account within 30 days of system commissioning — no middlemen involved.
Frequently Asked Questions — Free Solar Yojana 2026
What is Free Solar Yojana 2026?
The free solar yojana 2026 — officially PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana — is a Government of India initiative that installs solar rooftop panels at eligible households and provides up to 300 units of free electricity per month. The scheme is managed by MNRE and implemented through state DISCOMs. Applications are accepted at pmsuryaghar.gov.in.
Who is eligible for Free Solar Yojana 2026?
Indian citizens who own their house, have a valid DISCOM electricity connection, and possess an Aadhaar-linked bank account are eligible. Priority is given to BPL, SC/ST, and women-headed households. Income limits for full 60% subsidy: below Rs.1.5 lakh annually. The scheme is available across all states including Bihar, UP, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
How much subsidy does the government give for solar panels?
The central government provides up to 60% subsidy (maximum Rs.78,000) on rooftop solar installation under the free solar yojana 2026. For 1–2 kW systems the subsidy is 60%; for 2–3 kW it is 40% on the additional capacity. Several states add a further 10–25% state subsidy on top, making effective out-of-pocket cost very low for eligible families.
How to apply for Free Solar Yojana 2026 online?
Visit pmsuryaghar.gov.in, register with your mobile and Aadhaar, select your DISCOM, fill the application form, upload 8 required documents, and submit. Your DISCOM then conducts a technical visit within 15 days. After approval, an empanelled vendor installs panels within 45 days and subsidy is credited to your bank within 30 days of commissioning.
What documents are required for solar yojana application?
You need: Aadhaar card, latest electricity bill (showing consumer number), Aadhaar-linked bank passbook, passport-size photograph, house ownership proof, ration card or income certificate, mobile number, and caste certificate (if SC/ST/OBC). All documents should be in PDF or JPG format, each under 2MB file size.
How many units of free electricity will I get per month?
Under the free solar yojana 2026, eligible households receive up to 300 units of free electricity per month. For an average Indian family of 4 consuming 150–250 units/month, this is more than sufficient to bring the monthly electricity bill to Rs.0. Surplus units generated beyond consumption are credited under the net metering policy.
Can I earn money by selling extra solar energy to the grid?
Yes. Under the net metering policy, surplus electricity generated by your free solar yojana 2026 panels is exported to the DISCOM grid and credited to your account at Rs.2–Rs.4 per unit. Households with 3 kW+ systems typically export 100–200 surplus units per month, earning Rs.500–Rs.3,000 per month in energy credits — an additional source of regular income.
Is there any application fee for Free Solar Yojana 2026?
Absolutely no application fee is charged at any stage of the free solar yojana 2026 process. The government strictly prohibits any fee collection. Apply only at the official portal pmsuryaghar.gov.in. If anyone demands payment claiming to represent this scheme, report them immediately to the MNRE helpline at 1800-180-3333 (toll-free).
Useful Official Links:
🔗 Apply Online: pmsuryaghar.gov.in — PM Surya Ghar Official Portal
🔗 MNRE Solar Guidelines: mnre.gov.in — Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
🔗 PM KUSUM for Farmers: pmkusum.mnre.gov.in — Solar Pump Scheme
🔗 State DISCOM Directory: cea.nic.in — Central Electricity Authority India
Last Updated: May 2026
